I’ve been with my husband for 15 years and given the job I have, you’d think he would know everything there is about taking care of his skin. It couldn’t be farther from the truth. Just the other day he was complaining about itchy skin and after a bit of prying, he told me he hadn’t been wearing moisturizer for a few days.

Moisturizers are important. You should use one every day after you wash your face because it’s going to help you look younger longer. We all want that. The boost of moisture will minimize your fine lines and help even out your skin tone. If you’re not using a daily moisturizer, start. If you’re already using a daily moisturizer, great, but guess what? It’s not enough.

The most important thing your skin needs is protection from the sun. Every day your skin takes a beating from the UV rays. Those lines inthe corner of your eyes? They’re deeper due to squinting from the sun. The tan you get in the summer? Skin damage. That one blistering sunburn you got long ago? It greatly upped your chance of developing skin cancer in your lifetime. Protecting your skin from the sun will not only keep your skin younger for much longer, it will also keep it healthier and reduce your chance of skin cancer.

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Let’s talk basics. Every morning you need a moisturizer. To multi-task, look for one with SPF. (Try ZENMED’s Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 30) This is your first dose of sunscreen for the day and it will take you through your morning commute to work. Before you head out for lunch, especially if you’re going to be outside for a while, apply a bit of sunscreen to the exposed areas of your skin about a half hour before you leave. The same before you head home.

It might sound like a drag, but sunscreen really only lasts about two hours or less and takes 20 to 30 minutes to fully start working. Look for a good facial sunscreen, preferably a mineral one like ZENMED’s Mineral Sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens are typically not greasy and soak in rather quickly. If you can’t find one you love, there is nothing wrong with applying a bit of your daily moisturizer with SPF throughout the day, especially if you have dry skin. Keep a bottle in your desk at work to make it easier.

The day will come when you wish you would have taken the time to slow down the ticking of the clock and really, it’s as easy as sunscreen. Protecting your skin from the sun will absolutely help your skin age at a slower rate than if you don’t use sunscreen at all. Plus it reduces your risk of cancer. It’s a win-win!

Jen Adkins

Jen has been a licensed cosmetologist since 1997 and with About.com since 2008. As a seasoned beauty writer, Jen is able to take her knowledge, love of skin care and passion for writing and combine them.